
When the most voluptuous, sought-after courtesan in the world meets an ascetic monk whose life is devoted to God, you know erotic sparks are going to fly. And when the clash takes place in a glorious, but rarely performed, opera by Massenet, it’s a delight to the ear just as much as to the eye. Renée Fleming is every inch the glamorous Thaïs, swathed in elegant gowns designed by Christian Lacroix. Thomas Hampson is Athanaël, the tortured man of God. This production by John Cox, which premiered in December 2008, brilliantly sets the stage for a confrontation as old as civilization itself.

as Thaïs

as Athanaël

as Nicias

as Palémon

as Crobyle

as Myrtale

as Albine

as Guard

as Cenobite Monk

as Cenobite Monk

as Cenobite Monk

as Cenobite Monk

as Cenobite Monk

as La charmeuse

as Solo dancer

as Self - Violin soloist

as Self - Conductor

as Self - Host
